The Nigerian forward hasn`t played since mid-April, and even if he passes his medical, he wouldn`t be immediately match-fit, contrary to the coach`s wishes. Gimenez possesses different qualities and has not been consistently clinical.
Coach Max Allegri, leading Milan`s new phase, has consistently expressed satisfaction with the squad, but with one critical requirement: a potent center-forward, a striker capable of scoring twenty goals per season. This is irrespective of Santi Gimenez, whose technical attributes differ significantly, as the former Feyenoord player tends to seek spaces away from the opponent`s goal. Moreover, in his initial months with the Rossoneri, he has certainly not proven to be an infallible goalscorer.
Boniface`s Prolonged Absence
The potential arrival of Boniface, a striker who scored eight goals in the last Bundesliga season but last started for Leverkusen on April 4th, is clearly raising internal concerns. Even if the Nigerian successfully passes his medical and joins the Milan squad, how long would it take for him to be ready to play a full Serie A match? With Leao gone, Okafor sold, and Camarda, Jovic, and Abraham also departed, Milan`s attacking options are inevitably limited. Boniface, as he stands today, cannot be considered an immediate additional option.
Since his last start in early April, the forward has only played a mere 17 minutes until the end of the championship. He missed two of the last four games due to injury and remained on the bench for another 180 minutes. Allegri needs forwards who are immediately ready for action, especially if the publicly stated objective is Champions League qualification, without ever dismissing the Scudetto dream.
Extended Waiting Period
Beyond the technical reservations, doubts about Boniface`s current physical condition are causing unrest at Milan. Victor`s arrival is anticipated tomorrow, and the tests he undergoes will be his first in months. There haven`t been any additional consultations, unlike, for instance, with Pubill, a former Milan target later acquired by Atletico Madrid. Milan fans hoping for a striker to immediately deploy against Cremonese will have to wait. And who knows for how much longer…
